Former Williamsville businessman admits utility scam

LOCKPORT – A former Williamsville businessman will have to repay $3,621 to National Grid and National Fuel after admitting in Niagara County Court Friday that he used the personal information of a Navy sailor deployed overseas to obtain utility service for himself in 2011 and 2012.

Keith J. Furman, 47, now living with his parents in Moxham, Pa., pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated identity theft. County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas said there was “a very good possibility” of a probation sentence when he returns to court Aug. 27.

The Navy victim was Furman’s stepson. Furman is the former owner of Phoenix One Communications and Digital Advertising Experience. He served 18 months in federal prison, ending in January, for a wire fraud conviction that involved $209,758 in restitution.